[eBook Code] Power Up (eBook Code, 1st)

INTRODUCTION ix

Chapter ONE The Path That Led You Here 1

Who the Heck Are the Joneses, and Why Are You Trying to Keep Up with Them? 4

Adding to the Cart 7

Emotional Buying 10

Buying What You Can’t Maintain 12

The Influence of Advertising 14

Chapter TWO Start to Become Empowered 23

Crafting a Budget 26

Examples of Budget Sheets 27

Worksheets for Expenses 28

Fixed Expenses 28

Flexible Expenses 32

Discretionary Expenses 34

Time to Calculate 37

The Frugal Philosophy 39

Chapter THREE Discovering a New Outlook on Life and Money 47

Identify Your Values: Work, Friends, and Family 50

The Value of Money 61

The Value of Living for Tomorrow 64

Chapter FOUR Staying on the Right Path 67

Find a Hobby 70

A Life without Credit Cards 78

Differentiating Needs from Wants 82

Chapter FIVE Teach Your Children Well 109

Talk to Your Kids about Money 112

Kids and Values 118

Prepare Your Teenagers 121

Chapter SIX Introduction to Banking 129

Choosing a Bank 133

Credit Unions 135

Types of Accounts 136

What Is a Check? 137

How to Open an Account 139

Electronic Banking 139

Types of Loans 141

Investing Your Money 144

Mutual Funds 146

Chapter SEVEN Continuing on Your Financial Freedom Quest 149

Find Your Green 153

It’s Time to Step Out on Your Own 160

GLOSSARY 163

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 173

INDEX 176